Even the tiniest urban backyard can provide habitat for native birds, butterflies, microbats, bees and lizards.

One of the easiest ways to encourage wildlife is to plant a diverse range of local native plants, including prickly shrubs and grasses. Local native plants are more likely to be used by native birds in your area and prickly shrubs are useful for providing shelter for small native birds.

Most local councils will provide a list of plants native to your area. Here in the Hunter, we’re lucky to have Trees In Newcastle selling local provenance plants to the public.

Our Squirrel Glider box was made by a handy family member after a few not-so-subtle hints. I’m told it was relatively easy to make. There’s nesting box plans on the internet for all kinds of native animals or you can buy one ready-made. Maitland Mens Shed makes and sells various nesting boxes made from recycled timber, including Brush-tailed Possum, Squirrel Glider, and Eastern Rosella nesting boxes.

You’ll see all your hard-work undone, unless you keep your cat indoors or in a cat run and avoid using herbicides and pesticides.

Even the tiniest urban backyard can provide habitat for native birds, butterflies, microbats, bees and lizards.

One of the easiest ways to encourage wildlife is to plant a diverse range of local native plants, including prickly shrubs and grasses. Local native plants are more likely to be used by native birds in your area and prickly shrubs are useful for providing shelter for small native birds.

Most local councils will provide a list of plants native to your area. Here in the Hunter, we’re lucky to have Trees In Newcastle selling local provenance plants to the public.

Our Squirrel Glider box was made by a handy family member after a few not-so-subtle hints. I’m told it was relatively easy to make. There’s nesting box plans on the internet for all kinds of native animals or you can buy one ready-made. Maitland Mens Shed makes and sells various nesting boxes made from recycled timber, including Brush-tailed Possum, Squirrel Glider, and Eastern Rosella nesting boxes.

You’ll see all your hard-work undone, unless you keep your cat indoors or in a cat run and avoid using herbicides and pesticides.